Imagine you won a $10,000 shopping spree at a home furnishings store: furniture, appliances, flooring, lighting, etc.

What would you buy with it? One or two big things? Lots of smaller things? Paint? Carpeting? Renovate the bathroom? What?

Landscaping!

I'd like to look at our yard and not feel overwhelmed.

Ummm, could I have $20,000? Its a large yard, lol!

Oh, woops! I just re-read its a Furniture store. Ummm, can't it be a furniture and Garden store?

Sure, why not? Let's just say "$10,000 to spend on your home"

Kids are at college - I want a new sofa without stains and wear and tear.

Dog chewed legs of oak dining room table (he was a puppy)- I need a replacement.

So far my priorities would be a new electric range (mine is 22 years old and only three burners work), a walk in shower with a seat, and a new recliner. What am I up to, about $3000?

A new hot water heater (also 22 years old) and maybe a TV. Ours is only 12 years old, but it's just a matter of time. (And no, it doesn't have tubes)

My home is 21 years old and needs upgrades, new flooring. I do intend to sell it though, so a debate, upgrade or sell as is?

I wouldnt go whole hog, but a few well placed upgrades or updates can net you a lot more money for your place. Scubby clean, even in the most run down of places covers a multitude of sin. A lick of paint is cheap and goes far. I have sold several places above what was expected simply because they were clean and bright. Many folks who looked at the homes commented about all the cluttered places on the market. Cant see the rooms or their size for the mess in um. I say you should spent a little bit of money and reap that big return.

I think I'd buy a new refrigerator (double door on top with freezer on the bottom), new washer and dryer, and some new lamps for the living room. And maybe a few 5 X 8 rugs for the sunroom and dining room.

I'd get as much hardwood floors as possible and a Jacuzzi tub in my bathroom. If I had any money left I would add to it and get granite countertops in my kitchen. I think that would pretty much take up the $10,000. Although I would try to do the floors myself or have someone help to save on the labor. I watch wayy too much HGTV & DIY.